India’s top trade body, CAIT, has resolved to boycott all trade, travel, and film-related ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan after their alleged military support to Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Over 125 trade leaders pledged not to engage commercially with these nations, appealing also to the film industry and corporate sectors to follow suit.
In a powerful show of economic nationalism, over 125 top trade leaders from across India have resolved to boycott all commercial and trade engagements with Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing their alleged support to Pakistan in recent military escalations. The decision was made at the National Conference of Trade Leaders convened by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in New Delhi on May 16.
The move follows reports that Turkey and Azerbaijan provided military assistance to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror operation on May 7 targeting camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The situation escalated further when Pakistan attempted to breach Indian air defense using swarm drones.
Broad-Based Boycott Across Sectors
The CAIT resolution, backed by representatives from 24 Indian states, includes a call to boycott goods, services, tourism, and film shooting in Turkey and Azerbaijan. The trade body also warned corporate entities and the film industry to avoid shooting or promoting products in these two countries, asserting that any film or ad campaign created in Turkey or Azerbaijan would be boycotted by traders and citizens alike.
It is deeply unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, who have benefited from India’s goodwill, aid, and strategic support in times of distress, have now chosen to side with Pakistan — a country known globally for its support to terrorism,”
CAIT Secretary General and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal
CAIT represents more than 9 crore traders and 40,000 trade associations across the country, giving the resolution significant weight in influencing business sentiment and public opinion.
Data Highlights Trade Volume Impact
According to data shared by CAIT:
- From April 2024 to February 2025, India’s exports to Turkey stood at USD 5.2 billion, down from USD 6.65 billion in FY 2023–24.
- Imports from Turkey during the same period were USD 2.84 billion, a decrease from USD 3.78 billion the previous year.
- Exports to Azerbaijan were USD 86.07 million, while imports amounted to USD 1.93 million, up from USD 0.74 million last year.
These figures highlight the economic stake and potential impact of the proposed boycott.
Government Action Already Underway
In a related development, on May 15, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Turkish company Çelebi Aviation, which handles ground operations at nine major Indian airports. The move signals growing official support for economic retaliation in response to geopolitical hostility.
Key Resolutions Passed at the Conference
- Nationwide Boycott of goods and services from Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- No New Trade Deals with companies or institutions from these countries.
- Travel and Tourism Ban, urging agencies not to promote them as destinations.
- Memorandum to GoI seeking a policy-level review of ties with both nations.
- Film Industry Appeal to avoid shootings in Turkey and Azerbaijan, with a public call for boycotting any media that does.
Growing Public Sentiment Against Turkiye and Azerbaijan
The CAIT decision comes amid growing social media campaigns and widespread calls for boycotting tourism to Turkey. The anger stems from perceptions that both Turkey and Azerbaijan have actively supported Pakistan’s strategic objectives in South Asia.
With tensions still high in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, the trade body’s resolution is being seen as a strong symbolic move of solidarity with India’s armed forces and national interests.
